Is Swelling at top of sternum 3 month... - British Heart Fou...

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Is Swelling at top of sternum 3 months after CABG x 3 normal?

Chickenlou profile image
9 Replies

My fiancé had his CABG x 3 just over 3 months ago and the “lump” at the top of his sternum incision is still as prominent as it was immediately after surgery, he’s also got irritation around this area (slight redness and dry skin.)

Does this sound normal as we thought the swelling would go down quicker then this?

(Realise no one can give a medical opinion just looking for others experiences.) 🙂 Thank you.

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Chickenlou
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9 Replies
Tillymint1971 profile image
Tillymint1971

Mine has flattened a little but still here 12 weeks after CABG x 4. I was told it could take 8 months to be right. Hope this helps.

gilreid1 profile image
gilreid1

My top scar is still prominent after six months. But I would ask about it being hot. Better safe than sorry ask your GP

Seal59 profile image
Seal59

My husband’s was prominent for a long time, sorry can’t remember how long, but it does take time

dagger1947 profile image
dagger1947

Hi Chickenlou,

I had a CABG X3 just over 3 years ago and I had the same lump. It took ages for it to completely disappear (probably well over a year maybe a little more) Obviously everyone is different and heal at different rates. Based on my experience it will eventually go down. Hope this helps bring some reassurance.

sherwood123 profile image
sherwood123

Give it time, mine was the same. I was wondering when it would go.Now 6 months on all gone, also had swelling at the bottom , that’s gone as well, yes it was itchy , but all normal. Time is a healer.

Mine is still quite prominent after 12 weeks. Have started using bio oil to try and help my scar settle down and hopefully feel a little less tight.

Janma123 profile image
Janma123

Massage it with E45 cream or lotion or bio oil twice a day. Hubby’s healed really well and never did have a lump at the top but the lower end is still slightly lumpy after 2 years.

Saracencat profile image
Saracencat

If it is red and hot to touch see gp could be infection which course of mild anti biotics will clear ...that is what I had! Re lumpiness should go down it is where they tie ends at start attop and bottom of scar...it goes down and flatter eventually so dont worry ...itchy skin E45 itchy cream cools it down..bio oil helps smooth skin dont rub use circular motions with hands (get partner to do😘😘😘) as this helps smoothe it easier ...my niece a ward sister told me that c dont worry doing well x

Chickenlou profile image
Chickenlou

Thank you all 🙂 I’ve read him all the replies and that seems to have helped. I will bit some bio oil (wasn’t sure at what stage he could start using that)

I will of course contact GP if it shows any sign of infection etc.

Thank you 😊

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